Crime
16-year-old Matthiaz Cantre Lauti Ioane-Register charged with 4 counts of murder in WestFest shooting
A 16-year-old boy has been formally charged with four counts of aggravated murder in connection with the June 15 shooting at the WestFest Carnival in West Valley City, which left three people dead — including a pregnant woman — and multiple others injured.
During a press conference on Friday, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced that Matthiaz Cantre Lauti Ioane-Register, 16, will be prosecuted as an adult.
Gill stated that Ioane-Register is facing a total of 13 criminal charges related to the incident, including four counts of aggravated murder.
The charges stem from a mass shooting that occurred around 9:15 p.m. on the final night of the WestFest Carnival at Centennial Park.
According to the West Valley City Police Department (WVCPD), the teen suspect opened fire, allegedly targeting 18-year-old Hassan Lugundi of West Valley City, who died at the scene.
Two other victims, 41-year-old Fnu Reena of West Jordan and an 8-month-old baby boy, were struck by gunfire and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Reena, who was eight weeks pregnant at the time, was not related to the infant. Due to her pregnancy, an additional count of murder was filed.
In total, five people were shot during the incident. In addition to the three fatalities, a 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl were both wounded and hospitalized with gunshot injuries to the arm.
They have since been released.
A pregnant woman attempting to escape was also injured while trying to climb a fence.
During the shooting, several officers were in the immediate area. One officer discharged a firearm at the suspect but did not strike him.
Due to the officers’ close proximity to the scene, the 16-year-old was taken into custody within seconds, according to WVCPD spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku.
The teen suspect was initially held in juvenile detention. Although his identity has now been released due to his adult charges, other minors involved in the case — including the infant and two teens who were injured — will not be publicly identified.
District Attorney Gill further confirmed that both the suspect and the intended target, Hassan Lugundi, were affiliated with gangs.
The shooting has had a profound impact on the local community and prompted renewed calls for action to prevent youth violence.
“Our hearts go out to the members of our community who have lost their loved ones,” Gill said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
CHICAGO, IL — A man was found shot to death Friday night on Chicago’s South Side, prompting a homicide investigation by Area One detectives, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 900 block of West 63rd Parkway in the Englewood neighborhood at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as Emerald Pretty, age 36.
According to preliminary information, a male suspect exited a white sedan, approached the victim, and opened fire before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests have been made at this time, and Area One detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not released details on a possible motive or whether the incident may have been targeted.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Bureau of Detectives or submit an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line or Crime Stoppers.